Sooooo.....

[alphabassettgrrl]

Not shopping- today of all days I stay home if at all possible.

We slept late this morning and now I'm trying to get up the energy to go for a bike ride to burn off the calories I ate yesterday.

[Prudence]

I just got up! Now, since yesterday I ate elsewhere and didn't get to make my own complete feast, I am about to start on pie, then turkey. Plus stuffing and dressing, brussels sprouts w/bacon, cranberry relish, creamed onions, and whatever else I can rustle up.

[Mousey Girl]

I would have gone shopping this morning, but no $$. I like to just wander around stores (Target & Michaels) just to people watch. I have everything I need already planned out, but I still need some stocking stuffer type things.

[Andrew]

We had considered going to IKEA for a bench/shoe storage unit but the "limited quantities" sold out almost immediately (we called before leaving). We might hit Trader Joe's but have no other shopping plans.

Yeah, not economically stimulating, that's me.

[katiesue]

We hit Target this morning. There was nothing that we were all excited about but Madz and I go every year and it's fun watching everyone get crazy. We hit the mall after that but we were home back in bed by 6:30. For us it's more something that we do together than really buying anything.

[Morrigoon]

I picked up a toy for my nephew (I was told the other day that he's into Bakugan, so I got him Bakugan, whatever the hell that is) for $10, a 4-gig chip for my camera for $10, Balderdash (bet you can't guess how much...), a travel version of Apples to Apples, and some fuzzy jammie bottoms for Alex for $5. Not for Christmas, just because the dog keeps making holes in his PJs. He's actually wearing them now, so I guess I did good

An hour into the sale, Target still had the big TVs in stock, cameras, portable DVD players, etc.

They did a really good job preparing for today, at least my local one did. They spread out the doorbuster items around the store, rather than concentrating in their usual department (Electronics was mobbed anyway because of the smaller stuff like DVDs that were on sale). So like the TVs were actually over in Women's clothing, some of the toys were in Kids' clothing, etc. And they handed out a map to everyone in line (and a reusable shopping bag!) that showed you where those items were located. I think that did a lot to keep the shopping cart traffic to a low roar. When the doors opened, everyone walked in peacefully, no stampeding or arguing. For checkout, they had a remote queue set up that everyone got into, and a lady directing people from the queue to open registers, so the queue, though long, went very quickly. One more quick line to get out (receipt checking ala Costco).

Now, the Target I went to has the advantage of being rather hidden in my neighborhood (high on a hill off a non-freeway reaching street) and surrounded by 3 other locations within a 3-mile radius. So I don't know if they all had it that good or if I just made a good choice going with that one instead of one of the ones in a big shopping center.

[Betty]

I had an interesting day. This morning we went to WinCo near our new place and I'm once again surprised at the great prices. They had turkeys for $2.00! Wow! I bought 2. I'll roast one tomorrow and keep one frozen for later.

Got home and the hot water doesn't seem very hot. I'm thinking - oh great - the propane tank at this place didn't have much in it. They are coming to refill on Monday or Tuesday but I guess it didn't last. F! F! F! Call them to see if they can come sooner but no.

Took Amy to the mall in Hemet and it was tolerable. Picked up a few things.

Got home and the power was out. So - no hot water - no heat and now no power. Which also means no phone and internet. Hours later and still nothing. We drive down the hill to the local pay phone because, of course, this is the weekend I accidently leave my cell at work and even if I hadn't, I don't get a signal at home anyway.

Finally see some so cal edison trucks down the way a bit and an hour or so later we have electricity.

It's while I'm making dinner that I wonder if maybe the pilot light blew out. Sure enough - light it and we are on our way to hot water! Yay!

[Alex]

Went nowhere near any stores and will try to maintain that for at least another month.

Went to Virginia City instead. Never been before. It snowed. Much better than shopping.

[Kevy Baby]

Went to Disneyland to collect my gift card

[Prudence]

Cooked! Turkey, scalloped potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberry relish, sausage chestnut dressing, and a cranberry apple pie. Now: food coma.